May 2025
by Rev. Bill Gupton
This is it. This is my final “On the Path.”
“On the Path” has been the name of my newsletter column now in three different churches, stretching back to the very first congregation I served as a newly-ordained minister – the First UU Church of Columbus, in the fall of 1996. It is a title that has worked well for me, because this journey of ministry has truly been an amazing “path.” Often winding, sometimes steep (either up or down), occasionally rocky or slippery, always beautiful. In the times when I have been at my best, I’ve been able to bask in the breathtaking scenery, allowing the cup of my heart and soul be filled to overflowing.
For 23 years now, Heritage Church has been my home. My family’s home. This congregation – you, and those who have gone before you – have been beloved companions on this, the longest of all the chapters in my journey. I look forward to sharing many fond memories with you in my final two Sunday morning worship services, on May 18 and 25, 2025 as well as at the retirement “open house” party you’re throwing for us on Sunday evening, May 18, 2025 beginning at 5 p.m. I do hope to see each one of you over those last two weekends, or if not, at least at some point earlier in May. Whenever you do encounter me, this month – if you think it might be for the last time, please say so; I want to be able to offer everyone a proper goodbye (including a heartfelt hug).
This is especially important because – and here’s the thing – after that final service on May 25, I will back out of the minister’s parking space, leave the parking lot, and no longer be part of the Heritage community. Nor will Jennifer and Patrick. This is something we know about, understand, and sign up for, from the beginning. Unitarian Universalist ministers agree to a code of conduct and professional ethics that very appropriately includes fully supporting the ministry of our successor. And that ministry can only thrive when there is a healthy closure of the previous minister’s relationship with the congregation and its members.
Thus, by the end of May, I will be fully moved out of my office. I will have said my final goodbyes. I will no longer be involved in your day-to-day lives, or in the life of Heritage Church. I begin my next chapter. I will enjoy a few days of rest and relaxation before turning my full professional attention to being the Manager of Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary – and to being the fully retired former Minister of Heritage Church. I will not come to church, or respond to any church-related calls or emails. For your part, you will have a brief summertime without a minister, and then begin an exciting, promising new relationship with a new minister. All of which is exactly as it should be.
This is not to say it won’t be difficult, even painful, sometimes. I – and my family – will miss you terribly. Our lives will never be the same – nor will yours, or the life of Heritage Church. But you will still have each other. You will still be part of a strong community, a healthy church, with a bright future. And you will always have the Love that is the Spirit of this church. That Love will include – also always, but from now on in a different way – the energy of my love, for you.
May you and yours be well. May Heritage Church continue to thrive, for generations to come.
I love you,
Rev. Bill Gupton
Image source: A compilation of On The Path column featured images from the Heirloom dating back to 2004,
prepared by B. L. BarnesExcerpt: